Tougher Interview Questions

Interview questions can be simple or difficult. It therefore pays to understand what the interviewer is expecting when questions are asked. These are some of the seemingly easy interview questions. However, how you respond to them may not make it as easy as it seems.

About your previous company and job

• Why did you leave your previous company? While finding good reasons for leaving the company would also like to find out more about what their competitor is doing. Strike a balance of how much to tell. By revealing too much on your current company's matters may give the impression that you would do the same should you apply for another job once you are offered this job. As rule-of-thumb, so long as you are still under the payroll of that company, you should not divulge information that are deemed confidential.
  
• What are the difficult situations you encountered and how you overcome them? This is to assess how you manage conflicts and resolve problems. Remember that you are recruited not to create but solve problems.
  

About yourself

• What are your key strengths and weaknesses? Everyone has weaknesses so do not claim that do not have any. However, do demonstrate how you use your weaknesses as a means to overcome and be a better worker.
• How do you see yourself in 5 years times? This is to assess if you have given thought to what you have planned for yourself in the future and also for the company to see if they could meet your aspirations.
• What is your expected salary? This is to assess if you are realistic about your market value and also whether they can afford to pay you. Normally, in the resume you should put as negotiable. But if pressed for a number, put between 10-20% for lateral move and more than 20% for vertical moves. Once again, as mentioned before this depends on the industry and the demand and supply for the job that is applied.
  
• Do you work better in a team or alone? This is to assess if you suit the position you are applying for. In most position solo performance and team work is essential, you should be able to work in both capacity depending on the situation.
  

About their company and job

• What do you know about the company and job? This is to assess how much interest have in the company and the job you are applying for. This goes back to doing your homework before the interview.